Scientific Research: Gov’t Proposed a Revamping Plan

By Godlove BAINKONG, Cameroon Tribune, 21-11-2014

A report on the state of affairs, shortcomings and suggestions was presented November 20.

An over 500-page document containing an in-depth diagnosis of scientific research in the country, shortcomings, success stories elsewhere and proposals for revamping the activity for it to conveniently and sustainably play its role as a development springboard has been handed

over to government.  A report of the study code-named, “Economy of scientific research in Cameroon” carried out by consultants under the International Centre for Agriculture Research for Development, CIRAD, was presented and endorsed at the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (MINRESI) on Thursday November 20, 2014.

According to the lead consultant, Patrick Bisson, scientific research is at the base of any sustainable development and there is need to constantly innovate and popularize research results for fruits to be visible.  He said target was to make scientific research and innovation a major contributor to Cameroon’s emergence vision. “There is need for a better link between research industry, government and the population,” he added. Reason why the report among others recommended the setting up of a research fund, the need for economic and research actors to work in synergy, rehabilitation of IRAD and other research institutes and above all a better coordination of research activities in the country.

According to the Executive Secretary of C2D Research Unit in MINRESI, Isaac Roger Tchouamo, the study was in line with government’s resolve to revive scientific research in the country which had been plunged into multiple crises for decades. He noted that the study will serve as a guide for MINRESI to come up with innovative projects of developing research in the country. Meanwhile, the Inspector General of MINRESI who sat in for the Minister saluted the report stating that no effort will be spared to ensure that proposals are well taken care of for visible fruits to show in the medium and long terms.